Beginning February 1, the manner in which firewood permits are issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Astoria District Office will change. The new program will allow for permits to be issued geographically by management basin instead of timber sale area as was done in the past.

There are 15 different management basins in ODF's Astoria District, ranging in size from 4,265 to 18,832 acres. Most are located in the eastern portion of Clatsop County. Firewood cutting will be allowed on downed wood that is within 50 feet of a surfaced road. Certain areas within each basin will be excluded from firewood cutting. Some examples of excluded areas are: sold timber sales, recreation sites, planned timber sale operations, ecologically sensitive areas, and Oregon Department of Transportation rights-of-way.

As has always been the case, ODF does not guarantee the quality or availability of wood in the permit areas and no refunds will be issued. Areas that have a concentration of material suitable for firewood will be identified on the basin maps. Those interested in obtaining a permit are encouraged to visit the ODF - Astoria District's web page,www.oregon.gov/ODF/pages/field/astoria/aboutastoria.aspx, to view management basin maps and to familiarize themselves with areas they are interested in obtaining a firewood permit within. Prospective firewood cutters may also call the district's Woodcutting Hotline,503-325-7215, for information.

Signs will be posted in the field identifying areas that are closed to firewood cutting. However, the public is cautioned that the signs are only for guidance, since signs may be torn down or damaged and not replaced in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to determine if s/he is in an area available for firewood cutting as shown on the permit map. Detailed forest road maps are available at the district office for $6. The double-sided map covers Clatsop County and portions of Columbia, Tillamook, Washington and Yamhill counties.

Permits will be sold during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permits will not be sold during fire season, which generally runs from July 1 through October 1. There is a limit of five permits per individual and household per year. There will not be a limit on the number of permits sold in each management basin. Firewood permits cost $20 and are good for two cords of wood or three weeks, whichever comes first. Permits may be purchased at the Astoria District Office, 92219 Highway 202, in Astoria, which is located next to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. All permit sales are cash only. No checks or credit cards are accepted.